Method and device for stimulating the organs associated with the human scalp

ABSTRACT

A method for stimulating and exciting the organs associated with the human scalp. A device utilized in performing the method produces modulated waveforms within a specified frequency range to amplify the stimulation and excitation effect to achieve practical results.

nite States atent [191 lPitzen et al- 1 Mar. 25, 1975 METHOD AND DEVICEFOR STIMULATING THE DRGANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HUMAN SEAL? [75]Inventors: Sylvester A. Pitzen; Jacques P.

Drabier, both of Phoenix; Dale H. Liljegren, Goodyear, all of Ariz.

[73] Assignee: Sena-Therapy Institute, Inc., I

Phoenix, Ariz.

[22] Filed: Apr. 4, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 347,899

[52] US. Cl. 128/245 [51] Int. Cl A61h 29/00 [58] Field of Search128/245, 410, 24.1, 24.2, 128/244 [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 649,917 5/1900 Doersch et a1 128/245 a a a a M G. H

7/1907 Beaubien ..128/24.5 4/1910 Gay ..128/24.5

Primary Examiner-Lawrence W. Trapp Attorney, Agent, or Firm--William H.Drummond; Don .I. Flickinger [5 7] ABSTRACT A method for stimulating andexciting the organs associated with the human scalp. A device utilizedin performing the method produces modulated waveforms within a specifiedfrequency range to amplify the stimulation and excitation effect toachieve practical results.

8 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTED 3.872.859

sum 1 o 7 a a a aa '8 PATENTEB MAR 2 5 I975 smear II Edy- S METHOD ANDDEVICE FOR STIMULATING THE ORGANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HUMAN SCALP Inanother aspect, the invention concerns a device I useful in the abovemethod and particularly adapted to amplify the stimulation andexcitation of specific human organs.

The human scalp has an average of 1,000 hair folli- -cles to the squareinch. In the bottom of the follicle, or

pocket, is a finger-like projection called the papilla from which thehair develops. At the extreme end of the hair root is a thickenedportion called the hair bulb which has a socket encasing the papilla.Within the hair papilla is a rich blood and nerve supply whichcontributes to the growth and regeneration of the hair.

The hair follicle is supported in a layer of tissue called the reticularlayer. Overlaying the superficial fascia is the outer layer of the skin,or the epidermis. The undersurface of the reticular layer, below thehair follicle, rests on a layer of fatty tissue termed the adiposetissue. The skull bone is encased in a membrane known as thesubaponeurotic. Between the subaponeurotic layer and the adipose tissueis the galea, or tendinous membrane. The galea covers approximately 40square inches of the head extending from the hairline at the top of theforehead rearwardly generally to the posterior division andsubstantially covering that portion of the head known as the ophthalmicarea. The galea, a sheet-like, paper-thin'membrane, is approximately 0.2millimeters in thickness. This membrane is exceedingly elastic andpermits the scalp to move upon the skull with as much as one inchdisplacement.

Life support for the hair is the papilla which is oxygenated andnurtured by an ample blood flow. The carotid" arteries are the mainsources of blood supply to the scalp. The external carotid arteryextends upwardly along the neck immediately forward of the ear. A firstbranch, the occipital," leaves the external carotid artery below the earand travels rearwardly to supply blood to the posterior division. Abovethe ear, the external carotid artery forms two branches the parietalbranch and the frontal branch which extend into the rearward and frontalportions, respectively, of the ophthalmic area. A network of veinsapproximately paralleling the arteries returns the blood flow from thescalp through the internal jugular vein and the externaljugular vein tothe heart.

Associated with each hair follicle is a sebaceous gland which secretesan oily substance known as sebum through the sebaceous duct to the baseof the hair shaft. The sebum lubricates the hair and contributes to itsluster and pliability while keeping the skin soft and supple. Thesebaceous gland is influenced by several factors, including bloodcirculation.

It is estimated that the average human head sheds I 50-80 hairs per day.As each hair sheds, it separates from the papilla and the root graduallyworks upwardly through the follicle until it falls from the scalp. Whilethe hair is moving upwardly through the follicle, the papilla gives lifeto a new hair which replaces the one being lost. The healthy functioninghair follicle, as explained above, is in the anagen or growing stage.

Current research indicates that at the age of l6 to 18 years, thenormally thin resilient galea begins to thicken and loses itselasticity. This occurrence is extremely common among males and occursto a lesser degree in females. The scalp skin is exceedingly resistantto stretching. The skull is bone and, therefore, has no generalresilience. As the galea thickens, it expands outwardly from the skull,exerting pressure upwardly upon the adipose, or fatty tissue, therebycompressing the arteries and veins to retard the blood flow to thepapilla. This pressure also foreshortens the hair follicle and inducesthe catagen or transition stage.

The fully enlarged galea exerts extreme pressure upon the skin. Also,due to the thickening and hardening of the galea, the scalp isexceedingly tight. Tight" is defined herein as the degree of movement ofthe scalp upon the skull wherein the epidermis may still move freely butthe entire scalp will not displace more than one-half of an inch.Empirical observation of scalp 'movement and irregular baldnessindicates that tightness does not develop uniformly within the areaunderlaid by the galea. It is important to note, however, during thisadvanced stage that the hair follicle has not died but has simply becomeinactive or telogenic. I

It has now been discovered that, if pressure could be relieved from thehair follicle and from the veins and arteries such that the follicle isfree to expand to its normal length and ample blood is allowed tocirculate into the papilla, the follicle will return to the anagen stageand againproduce a hair. The galea will relax and the scalp will becomeloose. The loose" scalp is defined as one which can be displaced in therange of one inch or more. greatly amplified beyond the stimulationproduced by simple hand massage or hand massage in connection with amechanical vibrator.

The teachings of the present invention are accomplished by a method ofstimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with the humanscalp. Briefly, the method embraces the continuous and progressivestimulation of the head in accordance with an established sequence. Ithas been discovered that the most satisfactory results are accomplishedby sequentially massaging the human head beginning at the neck andworking upwardly therefrom into the scalp area in approximately thepattern of the veins.

The main source of blood supply to the neck and face is delivered fromthe heart through a main artery termed the external carotid artery whichsubdivides into three primary branches called the occipital branch,which nourishes the back of the head, the anterior temporal branch,whoch nourishes the frontal portion of the scalp, and the posteriortemporal branch, which supplies the rearward portion of the scalp.

The method generally begins by progressively massaging each of theaforementioned arteries beginning at its confluence with the externalcarotid artery and substantially working in the general direction of theblood flow of the artery. Most satisfactory results are obtained bytracing each artery in turn, beginning with the artery branching fromthe external carotid artery at the lowest point and working to theartery which branches from the terminus of the external carotid artery.In this manner, the method involves first massaging the back of thehead, then the frontal portion of the scalp and terminating with therearward portion of the scalp. In order that the massage achievepractical results, it is necessary to intensify the stimulationandexcitation of the human organs associated with the hair follicles bypassing a low-frequency electrical current through the area beingmassaged. To achieve this practical result,

a device is employed which produces an electrical current in the form ofa low-frequency wave of not more than 3,000 cycles per second, with anenergy potential not exceeding one-half watt of power in the range of3-lO volts. The electrical current in the form of sawtooth or othersuitable waveforms, of selective frequencies, is summed at a poweramplifier which is provided with adjustable gain control to drive anelectrode. A second electrode is maintained at ground potential to whichthe various signals are referred.

In practicing the method, the ground potential electrode is placedagainst the head generally not more than six inches from the exact areato be massaged. The second electrode is placed in contact with the headand the massaging is accomplished in the immediate area of the drivenelectrode. The massage, in combination with the passing of electricalcurrent between the electrodes, intensifies the effect thereof tostimulate the flow of oxygenated and nutritive blood to the papillawhile relaxing the galea. The electrical device is so constructed thatvarious frequencies may be selectively utilized and each waveform may beoperated in either a continuous output mode or a pulsating mode.

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a male head for purposes of illustratingthe device'of the present invention as utilized in the method ofstimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with the hairfollicles within the scalp;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a male head displaying typical malepattern alopecia;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the upper portion ofa typical male scalpespecially displaying the hair follicle during the anagen stage;

FIG. 4 is 'a cross section of the upper portion of a typical male' scalpespecially displaying the hair follicle during the transition stage;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the upper portion of a typical male scalpespecially displaying the hair follicle during the telogen stage;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the human head displaying themain arteries which supply blood from the heart to the head, face andneck area;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the human head displaying theveins which return the blood from the head, face and neck area to theheart;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the apparatus for practicing the method ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram exemplary of one of the waveformgenerators of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a power amplifier as used inconnection with the wave generator of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a power supply suitable for energizingthe electrical apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, partially broken, specificallyillustrating a preferred electrode useful in massaging the human head inaccordance with the method of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pair of electrodes formed into theshape of a comb for use in connection with the device of the presentinvention.

Turning now to the drawings, in which the same reference characterindicates corresponding elements throughout the several views, attentionis first directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 which show a male head generallydesignated by the reference character 20 and displaying typical malepattern alopecia. As particularly seen in FIG. 2, the alopecia isprevalent in the area designated by the reference character A encircledby the dashed line 21. The epicranial aponeurosis, commonly called thegalea, underlies the area A. It is particularly noted that the alopeciais-confined to the area within the dashed line 21, while that portionofthe head below the dashed line 21 displays normal hair growth. Theparticular device 22 and the method as graphically represented in FIG. 1will be explained hereinafter in substantial detail.

FIG. 3 illustrates the human organs of the scalp in a normally healthymale wherein the hair follicle is in the anagen or growing stage.Illustrated is a hair follicle 23 supporting a normal hair growth havinga root section 24 below the skin surface 27 and a hair shaft 28extending above the skin surface. At the lower end of the hair root 24is an enlarged end called the bulb 29 having a socket 30 therein whichencases the papilla 31, a finger-like projection extending upwardly fromthe bottom of the follicle 23. The papilla 31, being the life supportfor the hair, is oxygenated and nurtured by an ample blood flow enteringthe papilla from the heart through the artery 32 and returning to theheart through the vein 33. The sebaceous gland 34 secretes an oilysubstance known as sebum which passes through the sebaceous duct 37 tolubricate the hair and contribute to its luster and pliability.

The hair follicle 23, sebaceous gland 34, and the blood vessels 32 and33 are located in the dermis or true skin layer for the scalp, asindicated by the bracket B. The epidermis or scarf skin, as designatedby the bracket C, is superimposed over the dermis and forms the outer orexposed layer of scalp skin. The dermis layer generally contains thoseorgans associated with hair growth, while the epidermis layer forms aprotective layer thereover. The adipose tissue, indicated by bracket D,is a fatty layer which forms a cushion to protect the skull from injuryand to allow normal expansion and contraction of the blood vessels andto the organs within the dermis. The skull bone 34 encased in theareolar tissue designated by bracket E forms a rigid base upon which thescalp, including the adipose tissue, dermis and epidermis are carried.Interposed between the adipose tissue and the areolar tissue is theepicranial aponeurosis or galea 37. The galea approximately 0.2millimeters in thickness and covering approximately 40 square inches ofthe head permits the scalp to move in relation to the skull. Separationof the scalp from the skull is readily achieved due to the resiliency ofthe galea. This explains the ease with which the human scalp is tornaway in accidents and, quite incidentally, which permitted the Indiansto provide themselves with trophies of war. The normal scalp can bereadily displaced one inch or more without any accompanying pain uponthe galea.

In the anagen stage, the follicle supports a fully developed hair whichgrows an average of about one-half inch per month. The hair has a lifecycle of 2 to 6 years and as'the hair sheds, the papilla gives life to anew hair which emerges shortly after the dead hair sheds or emerges fromthe follicle. As noted herein, the fat cells within the adipose tissueare expanded and soft, exerting no pressure either upon the bloodvessels or upon the lower end of the follicle. If the hair, as shown inFIG. 3, were plucked from the head, the follicle and the other relatedorgans would be undamaged and a new hair growth would begin.

The transition stage as shown in FIG. 4 begins at approximately 16-18years of age for men and considerably later, if at all, in women. Duringthe transition stage,

the galea 37 gradually loses its resiliency and begins to thicken. Sincethe skull 34 is fixed and immovable, the galea is forced to expandoutwardly as it thickens. The expansion of the galea exerts pressureupon the adipose tissue D, graphically depicted here by the slightlycompacted fatty layer. The epidermis C is resistant to stretching;therefore, the pressure from the expanding galea 37 and compactingadipose tissue D is exerted upon the blood vessels 32 and 33 and thelower end of the follicle 23. The papilla 31, receiving a decreasedsupply of oxygenated and nutritive blood through the partiallyconstricted artery 32 is impaired in its ability to function normally.The pressure also foreshortens the follicle.

FIG. 5 represents the galea 37 in the telogen stage.

In this terminal stage, the galea has expanded to approximately tentimes its normal thickness and has lost substantially all resiliency.The extreme pressure, as graphically represented by the compact adiposetissue D and dermis B, has constricted the artery 32 and vein. 33 tocompletely diminish the blood flow to the papilla 31. As shown herein,the hair follicle responsive to the pressure has shortened toapproximately one-half its original length and without nutrient flowinto the papilla, has ceased to function. It is important to note thatthe hair follicle 23 is not'dead, but has reached the telogen or restingstage. In the telogen stage, the scalp cannot generally be displacedmore than one-eighth inch upon the skull.

During the anagen stage wherein the scalp moves freely upon the skull,the scalp is termed to be loose. The loose scalp obviously denotes thatthe galea is thin and resilient and that no pressure is exerted upon theblood vessels or the lower end of the hair follicle and, therefore, theorgans are free to function properly. In the telogen stage, wherein thegalea is greatly thickened and hardened and exerts sufficient pressureupon the organs to prohibit normal functioning, the scalp is termed asbeing tight." Since the galea does not thicken and harden consistentlythroughout its approximately 40 in. a given scalp may have both tightspots and loose spots.

In order to clarify the preferred practice of the method of theinvention, the following description of FIG. 6 graphically depicts thenetwork of arteries within the human head 20. Superimposed upon thisview are the spatial divisions of the human head. The posterior divisionF includes the back of the neck and extends upwardly behind the ear, asencompassed by the dashed lines 40 and 41. The ophthalmic area G, lyingabove the dashed lines 41 and 42, includes the top and frontal area ofthe scalp and head. The superficial cervical plexus H, defined by thedashed line 40 at the rear and the dashed line 43 at the front, includesthe the dashed line 44, generally includes the lower jaw and the templearea and extends upwardly to the ophthalmic area G. The maxillary area.I, lying between the mandibular area I and the ophthalmic area G asdefined by the dashed lines 44 and 42, respectively, generally includesthe upper jaw and a narrow upward extension lying between the templeand'the eye.

The carotid arteries are the main source of the blood supply to thehead, neck and face. The internal carotid arteries, not herein shown,supply the.brain, eye sockets, eyelids and internal organs. The externalcarotid artery 47 supplies the superficial parts of the head, face andneck. The occipital artery 48 is the first branch of the externalcarotid artery 47 as it delivers blood in the direction of the arrow Kfrom the heart to the head.

The occipital artery 48 supplies the scalp and the back of the headwithin the lower portion of the posterior division F. The. sterno-cleidomastoid artery 49 branches from the occipital artery to deliverbloodwithin the superficial cervical plexus H below and behind the ear. Thesuperficial temporal artery 50 is an extension of the externalcarotid-artery 47 which extends upwardly immediately in front of theear. Immediately above the ear, the superficial temporal artery 50subdivides into two primary branches: a first branch, the posteriortemporal branch 51, which supplies the rearward portion of theophthalmic area G and the upper portion of the posterior division F, andthe anterior temporal branch 52 which supplies blood to the upperfrontal portion of the ophthalmic area G. The superficial temporalartery 50 and the lower portion of the posterior temporal 51 and thelower portion of the anterior temporal 52 also supply blood to the upperportion of the mandibular area I and the maxillary area .I. v I

A network of veins approximately paralleling the aforedescribed arteriesand assuming the same names thereof return the blood to the heartthrough the external jugular vein 53 and the internal jugular vein 57,as

graphically represented in FIG. 7.

To further clarify the method of the invention, the presently preferredapparatus used in practicing the method will now be described.

A block diagram of apparatus for practicing the method of the presentinvention isset forth in FIG. 8. It will be observed that a plurality ofsawtooth waveform generators 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 havetheir respective outputs summed at the input to a power amplifier 69.Power amplifier 69, which is provided with adjustable gain control 70,directly drives a first electrode 71. A second electrode 72 ismaintained at ground potential, to which the various signals in theapparatus are referred, as will become more apparent in the detaileddescription thereof to follow. The electrodes 71 and 72 may take variousforms to accommodate particular applications as previously indicated.

Output signals from each of the sawtooth waveform generators 60-68 maybe selectively switched into or out of the summing point by means ofswitches -88, respectively. Thus, it will be understood that the summedsignal observed at the input to the power amplifier 69 may be anyselected combination of the outputs from the waveform generators 60-68.Additionally, as will be explained more fully below, each of thewaveform generators 60-68 may be operated ineither a continuous outputmode or a pulsating mode. By way of example, and as utilized in apresently preferred embodiment of the invention, the nominal outputfrequencies of the sawtooth waveform generators 60-68 are:

v 7 230 hz, 270 hz, 325 hz, 550 hz, 1,000 hz, 1,550 hz, 1,800 hz, 2,300hz, and 2,650 hz, respectively. When operating in the pulsating mode,the same waveform generators 60-68 pulsate at repetition rates of threetimes per second, four times per second, five times per second, 8.5times per second, 10 times per second, 12 times per second, 17 times persecond, 20 times per second, and 26 times per second, respectively.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 9 which illustrates an exemplary oneof the waveform generators 60-68. The basic sawtooth generating circuitcomprises a unijunction transistor relaxation oscillator of theclassical type well known in the art. Unijunction transistor 90, whenthe oscillator is operating, has its base 2 electrode connected directlyto ground either through continuous/pulsating switch 91 or throughtransistor 92 which functions as an alternative switch. Assuminginitially that base 1 of the UJT 90 is grounded; at the beginning of anoperating cycle, the emitter electrode thereof is reverse-biased andhence non-conducting. As capacitor 93 charges through the resistancecomprising fixed resistor 94 and variable resistor 95 in series, theemitter voltage rises exponentially toward the supply voltage, 10 voltsd-c regulated, to which the resistor 95 is connected. When the emittervoltage reaches the peak point voltage of the UJT 90, the emitterbecomes forward-biased, and the dynamic resistance between the emitterand'base 1 drops to a low value. Capacitor 93 then discharges throughthe emitter. When the emitter voltage reaches the valley voltage of theUJT 90, the emitter ceases to conduct, and the cycle is repeated. Thus,the signal observed at the emitter electrode of the UJT 90 closelyresembles a sawtooth, and the frequency of oscillation of the circuitdepends principally upon the values selected and adjusted for thecapacitor 93 and the charging resistance comprising the resistors 94 and95. Resistor 96 is utilized as a compensator to stabilize operation atdiverse temperatures. For a more complete discussion of UJT relaxationoscillators, one may refer to Chapter 13 of Transistor Manual (7thEdition), published by The General Electric Company.

As previously noted, each of the sawtooth waveform generators 60-68 maybe operated in either continuous mode or a pulsating mode. If the switch91 is closed to ground base 1 of the UJT 90, the waveform generatoroperates continuously as described. However, if switch 91 is open, thewaveform generator can only operate when transistor 92 is switched on toprovide an alternate ground for base 1 of the UJT 90. By switching thetransistor 92 on and off at a predetermined rate, the relaxationoscillator including the UJT 90 will operate for a few cycles and thenbe off for a few cycles to provide a pulsating output.

The pulse rate of the waveform generator is determined by anotherunijunction transistor relaxation oscillator circuit which includes UJT100. The charge rate of capacitor 101 is controlled by its value and bya frequency one-half that of the relaxation oscillator which includesthe UJT 100. The UJT 100 is provided with the usual compensatingresistor 106, and resistor 107 is connected between the regulated 10volt d-c power supply and the power input to the integrated circuitflip-flop 104 in order to drop the voltage into the operating range ofthe flip-flop.

When the signal appearing at the base electrode-of the transistor 92goes positive, the transistor is forwardbiased and switches into theconducting mode to clamp its collector electrode to ground. Since thebase 1 of UJT 90 is connected to the collector electrode of thetransistor 92, the relaxation oscillator including the UJT 90 commencesto function. Additionally, when the collector electrode of thetransistor 92 is grounded, ei-

ther because the transistor is switched on or because.

the switch 91 is closed, an incandescent lamp 108, connected between the10 volt d-c power supply and the collector electrode of transistor 92,is energized to provide an indication that the relaxation oscillator isoperating. When the'switch 91 is open and the signal appearing at thebase electrode of the transistor 92 is below the potential necessary tohold the transistor 92 on, it will switch off to isolate the collectorelectrode, and hence base 1 of the UJT 90, from ground such that therelaxation oscillator ceases to operate, and the incandescent lamp 108is de-energized. Thus, by appropriately selecting the values of theresistor 94, the capacitor 93, and the capacitor 101 and by properadjustment of the variable resistors 95 and 102, the oscillation ratesand pulsation rates given above, or any others that might be desired,can readily be achieved.

The output signal observed at the emitter of the UJT 90 is a-c coupledthrough capacitor 109, isolating resistor 110, and switch 80, to thepower amplifier 69 as shown in FIG. 8. As a practical matter, theswitches 80 and 91 may be incorporated into a single three-positionactuator having pulsating, off, and continuous operatmg positions.

The power amplifier 69 is shown schematically in FIG. 10 and will beobserved to constitute a straightforward audio amplifier and thereforeis only exemplary as utilized in the presently preferred embodiment ofapparatus for practicing the invention. An input stage includestransistor 111 of which the base electrode is biased by resistor 112,connected between a 40 volt d-c power supply and the base electrode, andby a resistor 113 connected between the base electrode and ground. Afixed resistor 114 and a variable resistor 115 are connected between the40 volt d-c supply and ground, and the collector electrode of thetransistor 112 is connected to the junction of the resistors 114 andsuch that a signal of variable amplitude is picked up at the tap ofvariable resistor 70 to feed,

through coupling capacitor 116, the power output 9 transistor 118 toachieve low impedance output characteristics.

A load comprising shunt resistor 120, incandescent lamp 121 and animpedance 122 is driven by a power output stage through a diode 123which serves to insure a unidirectional output waveform consisting ofone or more mixed sawtooth signals. The impedance 122, which is shown inFIG. 10 .to be disposed across electrodes 71 and 72, represents theimpedance of the current path between the electrodes when they areapplied to the skin. This impedance is typically in the megohm regionsuch that it will be apparent to those skilled in the electronics artsthat the preponderance of the current delivered by the output stagepasses through the resistor 120 and the incandescent lamp 121. It hasbeen found that the R.M.S. voltage appearing across the load variesbetween approximately 3 volts and approximately 10 volts with thecomponent values and semiconductor types tabulated below.

Power delivered to the totalload is less than one-half watt with theportion dissipated by the impedance 122 being a very small fractionthereof. Thus, the deliberate limitation of voltage output utilized inconjunction with a relatively low impedance shunt load insures that theapparatus is completely safe while nonetheless applying adequateelectrical stimulus to excite the muscles in the desired manner.

A suitable power supply for energizing the apparatus is shownschematically in FIG. 11. Primary windings of transformers 124 and 125are connected to a conventional line source with an on/off switch 126and a fuse 127 placed into one side of the input pair to affordconventional selective energization of the apparatus and currentoverload safely. The secondary winding of transformer 124, which isdisposed in a stepdown configuration, has a full-wave bridge rectifier128 connected in the usual manner with a filter capacitor 129 andbleeder resistor 130 completing the 40 volt d-c power supply section bywhich the power amplifier is energized.

Transformer 125, also connected in the stepdown configuration, has afull-wave bridge 131 connected across the secondary winding thereof anda filter capacitor 132 and bleeder resistor 133 to provide unregulatedd-c. Another filter section, consisting of series resistor 134 and shuntcapacitor 135, affords additional smoothing into a series/shuntregulator circuit.

The regulator circuit includes series regulator transistor 136,controller transistor 137, zener diode 138, fixed resistors 139 and 140,and variable resistor 141, all connected in the classical feedbackconfiguration. The series regulator transistor 136 absorbs the voltagechanges as in the ordinary series and shunt regulator. The action ofthis regulator can be shown by assuming a given input voltage which, inconjunction with load current through the source impedance, sets avoltage at the collector electrode 136. The collector-base voltage oftransistor 136 is set by the control current flowig through resistor139. This control current is determined by the base-emitter voltage andthe transconductance of transistor 137. If the input voltage increases,the control voltage (IzenerRlgg) increases, and the output voltage willtend to be constant. The opposite effect is observed if the inputvoltage decreases. The output voltage can be selected by adjustingvariable resistor 141 which is, in effect, a voltage divider coupled tothe base electrode of control resistor 137.

For a more comprehensive discussion of this type of regulator circuit,one may refer to Chapter 3 of Silicon Zener Diode and RectifierHandbook, Second Edition, published by Motorola, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.,and other standard handbooks.

The following tabulation is provided to set forth in specific detail acurrently preferred embodiment of up paratus for practicing theinvention. However, those skilled in the electronics arts will fullyappreciate that the various elements presented in the block diagram ofFIG. 8 can be substituted with a wide variety of equivalent circuits toachieve corresponding results.

Capacitors:

93 .01-.1 MFD depending on oscillator frequency 101 2-10 MFD dependingon oscillator frequency I09 .01 MFD 1 16 50 MFD 129 100 MFD 132 100 MFD135 1000 MFD Diodes:

128 (Bridge) 4 1A 131 (Bridge) 4X1A 138 8.2V zener Integrated CircuitFlip-Flop: HEP C 2503 [P Resistors 10 K ad 94 13 K 3 9K depending onoscillator frequency 95 10 K adj 96 330 102 10 K ad 103 330 105 470 106220 107 220 1 10 47K 1 12 220K 1 13 1 1K 1 14 1,8K 1 19 100K 350 1.5K133 1K 134 139 150 140 220 141 10K adj Transformers:

124 115v/25.2 vct 125 115v/12.6 vct Transistors:

92 2N 2219 100 2N 2647 111 2N 3506 1 17 MJE 3055 118 MJE 3055 136 MJE3055 137 2N 3506 FIG. 12 graphically illustrates an electrode, generallydesignated by the reference character 142, which may be connected toeither of the electrodes 71 or 72 hereinbefore described in connectionwith the detailed description of FIG. 10. The electrode 142 consists ofan insulated conductor 143 fitted at one end thereof with a conventionalmale phonejack-type connector 144 engageable with a female receptacle,herein not shown, integral with either of the electrode terminals 71 or72. A portion of the conductor 143 has the insulation stripped therefromto bare a length of wire 147. An electrically conductive mesh, such as afine wire mesh 148, preferably of stainless steel to prevent corrosion.is encased about the bared wire 1-47 to permit the electrical currenttransmitted through the wire 147 to be dissipated into the electricallyconductive mesh 148 to provide a cushion between the electricallyconductive mesh and the human scalp. Cloth stripping 150 is wrappedabout the cotton batting 149 to maintain the shape of the electrode 142.For sanitary reasons, the cloth l50is in two separate strips-a firststrip which permanently encases the electrode, and a second outer stripwhich is changed between applications of the method to various persons.When not in use, the electrode 142 is maintained in a disinfectantsolution, again for sanitary reasons. However, the liquid provides anadequate conductor for transferring the current from the electricallyconductive mesh 148 to the human head. In actual practice, twoelectrodes142 are employed, the first electrode being designated the drivenelectrode, and the second electrode being maintained at groundpotential.

An alternate electrode 157 useful in specific steps of the method of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 13. A pair of identical electrodes158 and 159 are each found in the general shape of a comb having asubstantially straight upper edge 16 and depending tooth members 161 andhaving tang portions 162 extending from one end of each of said.comb-like electrodes 158 and 159. An insulator strip 163 maintains theelectrodes 158 and 159 in a spaced relationship approximately 0.25inches. A handle I64 encircling the tangs 162 and the intermediatespacer 163 is sized and shaped for grasping by the human hand. Ashielded electrical conductor 167 is mechanically and electricallysecured at one end thereof to each of the tangs 162 while the free endsof the conductors 167 are each fitted with a male conductor 144 ashereinbefore described in connection with FIG. 12.

The method'of the present invention, in accordance with a preferredembodiment thereof, begins by applying the operative electrodes, asalternately described in FIGS. 12 andl3, to the superficial cervicalplexus I-l generally at the branching of the occipital artery 48 fromthe external carotid artery 47. The method is best understood withreference to FIG. 6. This area is massaged generally upward in thedirection of the flow of blood of the occipital artery,48, as designatedby the arrow K, and proceeds upwardly through theposterior division F toapproximate its union with the posterior temporal 51 as designated bythe dashed line 41. It has been discovered that for best results theelectrode 157 is most effectively utilized for localized electricalimpulse in the lower portion of the posterior division. In the centralportion of the posterior division, approximately even with the ear line,the comb-like electrode 157 is discarded in favor of the pod-likeelectrodes 142. While one of the electrodes 142, designated as theground potential electrode, is maintained in stationary contact with thehead, the other electrode 142, designated as the driven electrode, isutilized as a massaging device and progressively worked upward throughthe posterior division substantially tracing the pattern and blood flowof the occipital artery 48.

Following the above procedure, the electrodes are moved forwardly to theupper mandibular area I at approximately the terminus of the middletemporal artery 50 and the massage procedure is repeated generally overthe area of the scalp serviced by the anterior temporal artery 52 as ittraverses through the middle portion of the opthalmic area G..Subsequently, the method 12' continues in the rearward portion of theopthalmic area G by massaging that portion of the scalp serviced by theposterior temporal artery 51.

Generally, the driven electrode 142 is not moved over the scalp but ismaintained firmly against the scalp and the movement thereof in ageneral fore-and-aft motion is limited to the movement of the scalpcollectively, including the epidermis C, the dermis B and the adiposetissue D upon the galea 37. As hereinbefore described, the thickeningand hardening of the galea 37 is not uniform throughout the scalp,thereby producing tight spots and loose spots. Since it is an object ofthe present invention to loosen the entire scalp, slightly varyingmethods are employed upon the loose areas and the tight areas. In theloose areas, the massaging is accomplished with quickened movement ofthe electrode with reduced pressure. Conversely,- the tight spotsrequire substantially greater pressure with slower movement of theelectrode and are manipulated for a substantially greater time. Ineither case, the driven electrode is maintained in contact with thescalp to be moved no greater than that permitted by the particular areaof the scalp.

The primary object of the present invention is the stimulation andexcitation of the human organs associated with hair follicles to permitblood circulation and to soften and relax the galea. Simple hand massagecould accomplish the desired results except that the duration of therequired massage exceeds the physical limits of time available in anygiven day.

The present method and apparatus clearly bring the massage withinpractical time limits by the use of an electronic device which amplifiesand intensifies the desired stimulation. The device employed in thepresent method alternately contracts and relaxes the human organsassociated with the hair follicles at a rate not obtainable byhand'massage or mechanical vibrators or other prior art devices.

While the preferred embodiment hereinbefore described utilizes asawtooth or triangular wave, it will be obvious to those skilled in theart that other waveforms such as square waves or sine waves will alsodesirably affect the human organs, and the scope of the invention is notmeant to be limited to triangular waves. As a commercial expediency, toconstruct the device at a reasonable price, thetriangular wave isbelieved to be most practical. Similarly, the head and scalp area may bemassaged in alternately varying patterns. The preferred sequentialpattern as hereinbefore described appears to produce the most desirableresults.

Having fully described and disclosed the invention and the preferredembodiment thereof in such clear and concise terms as to enable thoseskilled in the art to understand and practice the same.

The invention claimed is:

1. A method for stimulating and exciting the organs associated with thehuman scalp, said scalp having tight areas and loose areas, said methodcomprising the steps of:

a. successively positioning a pair of electrodes in a spacedrelationship against predetermined areas of that portion of the scalpoverlaying the galea;

b. passing electrical current between said electrodes wherein saidcurrent is in the form of a lowfrequency wave in the range 200 to 3,000cycles per second, with an electrical potential sufficient to stimulatesaid organs; and

c. massaging said scalp in the area of at least one of said electrodes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning step further includesthe partial steps of:

a. positioning at least one of said electrodes proximately over theexternal carotid artery near the base of one of the branches thereof;and

b. successively and progressively repositioning said electrode alongsaid branch from the base to the end thereof to stimulate the flow ofblood therethrough in the direction of the natural flow pattern.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said massaging step is accomplishedwith a generally fore and aft motion with one of said electrodes instationary contact with said scalp and said motion limited to thedisplacement of said scalp.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said tight spots are massaged for agreater time with more pressure and less speed of motion than said loosespots.

5. A device for the stimulation and excitation of the human organsassociated with hair follicles, said device comprising:

a. a plurality of waveform generators, each said generator operating ata different frequency within the range of 200 to 3,000 cycles persecond;

b. a selectively variable power amplifier;

c. switch means for selectively and in combination coupling each of saidgenerators to said amplifier;

d. a first electrode driven by said amplifier; and

e. a second electrode maintained at ground potential from which thesignals from the first electrode are referred.

6. The device of claim 5 including means associated with each saidgenerator for selectively operating said generator in continuous andpulsating modes.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein each said electrode includes:

a. an electrical conductor:

b. an electrically conductive mesh communicating with said conductor;and

c. a resilient covering encasing said mesh.

8. The device of claim 5, including:

a. a pair of spaced comb-like electrodes; and

b. a non-conductive intermediate spacer member disposed between saidcomb-like electrodes.

1. A method for stimulating and exciting the organs associated with thehuman scalp, said scalp having tight areas and loose areas, said methodcomprising the steps of: a. successively positioning a pair ofelectrodes in a spaced relationship against predetermined areas of thatportion of the scalp overlaying the galea; b. passing electrical currentbetween said electrodes wherein said current is in the form of alow-frequency wave in the range 200 to 3,000 cycles per second, with anelectrical potential sufficient to stimulate said organs; and c.massaging said scalp in the area of at least one of said electrodes. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning step further includes thepartial steps of: a. positioning at least one of said electrodesproximately over the external carotid artery near the base of one of thebranches thereof; and b. successively and progressively repositioningsaid electrode along said branch from the base to the end thereof tostimulate the flow of blood therethrough in the direction of the naturalflow pattern.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said massaging step isaccomplished with a generally fore and aft motion with one of saidelectrodes in stationary contact with said scalp and said motion limitedto the displacement of said scalp.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinsaid tight spots are massaged for a greater time with more pressure andless speed of motion than said loose spots.
 5. A device for thestimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with hairfollicles, said device comprising: a. a plurality of waveformgenerators, each said generator operating at a different frequencywithin the range of 200 to 3,000 cycles per second; b. a selectivelyvariable power amplifier; c. switch means for selectively and incombination coupling each of said generators to said amplifier; d. afirst electrode driven by said amplifier; and e. a second electrodemaintained at ground potential from which the signals from the firstelectrode are referred.
 6. The device of claim 5 including meansassociated with each said generator for selectively operating saidgenerAtor in continuous and pulsating modes.
 7. The device of claim 5wherein each said electrode includes: a. an electrical conductor: b. anelectrically conductive mesh communicating with said conductor; and c. aresilient covering encasing said mesh.
 8. The device of claim 5,including: a. a pair of spaced comb-like electrodes; and b. anon-conductive intermediate spacer member disposed between saidcomb-like electrodes.